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The points were shared at Hunter Stadium as the Jets and the Roar played out an entertaining draw.
The Roar got things rolling, creating numerous chances early in the match through Jamie Maclaren, who always looked dangerous. However, it was the Jets who came inches away from opening the scoring, with David Carney’s long-range attempt striking the crossbar.
The woodwork was then hit on the opposite end, with Thomas Broich firing a similar attempt to rock the crossbar.
The score was deadlocked at the break, with neither side able to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes.
The Jets started the second half the better out of the two, looking dangerous up front and creating numerous chances. However it was the Roar that struck gold, as Maclaren slotted home the opener with a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Brisbane then came very close to doubling their lead, only to be denied by Mark Birighitti between the sticks.
Brisbane’s inability to punish the Jets saw the home side lift, as defender Ben Kantarovski pounced and struck home into the bottom corner following a bit of confusion in the box.
The match then lifted another gear as the Roar came very close to regaining the lead straight from the kick off.
Both teams had their chances to take the win, with the Roar having the best opportunity from a set piece, only to be denied by a terrific save from Birighitti, ensuring both sides took one point from the match.
Final score
Newcastle Jets 1
Brisbane Roar 1
Brisbane Roar will be determined to extend their lead on top of the A-League table when they travel to Hunter Stadium to face the Newcastle Jets. Join The Roar from 5pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
This time last season Brisbane and Newcastle were scrapping the bottom of the barrel they were positioned 8th and 9th on the ladder respectively. Fast forward twelve months and the Roar are on top with the Jets sitting in fifth.
Both sides experienced a significant makeover prior to the season, with new managers stepping in and allowing their respective teams to rediscover their mojo.
The appointment of John Aloisi has resulted in positive and exciting results for the Roar. They are playing an attractive style and are back to their championship-winning form. The stats certainly back this claim; Brisbane has scored the most goals this season (12) and conceded the least (6).
Scott Miller has meanwhile rejuvenated life back into Newcastle. The Jets have given their fans something to cheer about this season, coming out on top in matches and taking some major scalps along the way.
Expert pundits predict a classic attack versus defence affair in this game, and hopefully the game lives up to its hype and isn’t too scrappy.
The Jets have been happy at times to sit back and absorb the pressure of the opposition this season. Newcastle thus far has had the least amount of attempts on goal, averaging only seven shots per game and scoring a measly eight goals, the lowest in the top six. In saying this, however, Newcastle have a very strong defensive record this season, which will need to remain intact as they face a very goal-hungry Brisbane Roar side.
Aloisi has criticised many opposition sides for playing what he feels is ‘anti-football’. The Roar’s attacking and pressing game style has forced teams to implement quite a scrappy style, one that looks to stop the Roar playing free-flowing football.
The Roar may expect much of the same tonight, as the Jets lead the way in yellow cards received (21) this season, committing an average of 16 fouls per game. These statistics suggests Brisbane will be greatly frustrated during the encounter.
This fixture historically favours the Roar, who are unbeaten against the Jets in their last three meetings. Brisbane will be hoping history repeats itself tonight, as they will be looking to create a gap on the ladder between them and their rivals.
Both sides make two inclusions to their squads from last week. The Jets welcome back Leonardo from injury as well as 20-year-old striker Radovan Pavicevic. Brisbane meanwhile strengthens their defence with the inclusions of Corey Brown and Devante Clut.
The opening rounds have seen the bright emergence of Brisbane striker Brandon Borrello. The Adelaide-born youngster has been in incredible form, equalling his tally of four goals from last season.
Borrello’s striking abilities add to Brisbane’s firepower up front, as the Roar have now developed a very threatening and capable line-up that can confidently take on all comers.
This will certainly be a very interesting contest. Newcastle is currently three games without a win and will be determined to claim another scalp against the ladder leaders. The outcome of this match can certainly impact the top six, with only three points separating the Roar on top and the Jets in fifth.
Prediction: Despite playing away the Roar will outclass a valiant Jets. Brisbane 2-0.
Join The Roar from 5pm (AEST) for live scores and debate in our live blog.
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